Originally Posted by
chico1st
OK as I dont have tensiometer, should the spokes be making high-pitched twanging noises when i tighten the nipple? They also make shorter high-pitch EEEEEEE noises... like a VERY short twang. Is that normal?
On tight wheels, spokes often twist, pinging and creaking, as you turn the nipples, especially when truing older wheels. The problem is thread friction, both because of the tension and because of possible corrosion or simple dryness in the threads.
Put a drop of penetrating oil at the end of each nipple and spin the wheel to drive it down into the threads to reduce thread friction and the torque needed to overcome it.
There's also the possibility that the nipples are sticking to the rim, especially if you have non-eyelet rims. Rims are drilled after anodizing so the sides of the holes are prone to corroding, which binds the nipples. Again this is more of a problem with age or all weather riding. Same trick with spinning in oil, except now apply it at the base where the nipple exits the rim.
Using better fitting spoke wrenches is one part of the solution, the other is reducing the required torque. Doing both should solve your nipple rounding problems.